Explosively actuated fastener driving tool



P.TERMET EXPLOSIVELY ACTUATED FASTENER DRIVING TOOL 2 Sheets-Sheet l Nov. 22, 1955 Filed March 11, 1952 MN RN mwwmww N wwnwwwmwhwhma a N 3 whwnmw mm Nov. 22, 1955 P. TERMET EXPLOSIVELY ACTUATED FASTENER DRIVING TOOL- 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 11, 1952 Wm M m INVENTOR RRE TERmE 1 2,724,116 EXPLOSIVELY ACTUATED. FASTENER DRIVINGTOOL Pierre Terrnet, Lyon, France Application March 11, 1952, Serial No. 275,903 Claims priority, application France July 12, 1951 13 Claims.. (Cl. 1-44.5)

This invention relates to an explosively actuated fastener drivingtool adapted to drive instantaneously Studs, bolts, pins and other fastening, connecting or joining means into concrete, steel or any other substance or material and imbed therein saidfastening de vices with instant etficiency, without requiring any previous time-consumingwork such as drilling, chiseling, anchoring, threading and the like, permitting thus a significant reduction inlabour costs.

It is among the objects of this invention to provide an explosively actuated driving tool wherein the reactive force of an exploded cartridge is used to actuate a driving member which, in turn, drives the fastener.

Another object of this invention is to provide an expl'osively actuated driving tool which cannot be discharged accidentally and which can easily be operated by unskilled labour.

Still another object of this invention is to provide in such an explosively actuated driving tool meansfor controlling the force of the impact.

Another object is to provide in such a tool effective sealing means to prevent the escape of explosive gases, making the tool silent and flashless in operation, elim inating powdermarks on Work surfaces and permitting safe underground work.

A further object of this invention is to provide an explosively actuated driving tool that has no recoil and which permits therefore continuous driving without fatigue,

A still further object is to provide an explosively actuated fastener driving tool which automatically moves the exploded cartridge from its support without the help of any special member, such as ejector, extractor or similar device, allowing a very quick operation.

A further object is to provide a portable, self-contained, and dust-proof fastener driving tool of a simple, compact and yet sturdy design, comprising but a few United States Patent elements of multiple functions and assembled with the help of a single screw, and which can be manufactured at a very lowcost.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a means for driving a one-piece fastening device such as a pointed stud or for simultaneously driving the parts of a two-piece fastening device such as a clamping: strip and a stud passing through an opening of the clamping strip.

With these and other objects in view, the invention consists in the construction, arrangement and combina tion of various parts of the device whereby the objects contemplated are attained, as hereafter more fully set forth, pointed out in the claims and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal, sectional view' of the driving tool in itsuncocked position, showing the interior mechanism;

i Fig. 2 is an end view of the muzzle member;

Fig. 3 is a planview of the locking disc, serving as a non-automatic safety latch;

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a safety guard;

hFi-gs; 5' to 9 are enlarged views of fastening devices adapted to be driven by the tool of this-invention;

.Figs. IO'and' l1 illustrate strap clamps adapted to be driven together with the studs; i

2,724,116 Patented Nov. 22, 19,55

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary longitudinal, sectionalview of the tool with the firing mechanism in cockedposition and seen from the side opposite to that of Fig. 1

Fig. 13 is a longitudinal, sectional view of the barrel section, showingthe driving member and" the fastening device in firing position;

Fig. 14 is a cross section through the bayonet joint, as seen along the line 14-14of. the Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a similar view taken on the line 15-15 of Figure 12;

Fig. 16'is an elevational view of the safety catch;

Fig. 17 illustrates, the firing pin;

Fig. 18 illustrates the valve adjacentthe firingpin;

Fig. 19 shows a guide and stop washer to. be driven withthe studs, according to this invention.

In an embodiment of a driving tool chosen to illustrate the features contained in the present application, thereis shown a tool of an 'elongatedtubular shapecomprising a barrel section slidably connected to a breechblock section which is rigidly secured to a firingsection which forms a firing means.

In order to facilitate the understanding of this specifis cation, these three sections will be described in detail at first, and their relation to each other will be explained thereafter.

As is shown in Figs. 1 and 13, the barrel section consists of a forward portion 1 having a threaded shoul der 2 and a barrel breech end portion 3. provided with an annular projection 4 of semi-circular crosssection and three lugs 5 disposed 120 apart from each other for a purpose described below. i

The barrel is formed with an axial bore 79 in which is slidably mounted a partly tubular driving member having a piston 16 provided with a forward free end portion 17 which acts as a driver.

The head 14 of the piston 16 is of substantially the same diameter as the bore 79, making a close sliding fit therewith and is provided with a pistonring, 15 to form a tight seal between the head of the piston and the bore of the barrel.

This arrangement prevents the, escape of explosive gases through the barrel and protects the tool from dust and dirt, which are present in building operations.

Into the threaded front end portion of the barrel muzzle is screwed a bushing 18 forming the front end of the barrel, having an axial bore 80, ofthe same diameter as the diameter of the driver 17, and a knurled flange 82. Into this bushing 18 is threaded a muzzle member 78, having an axialbore in alignment with the bore of the bushing 18, and a flange 83 to engage flange 82 of the bushing, as shown in Fig. 13, so as to form a single unit therewith. The muzzle member "78 is also provided with four peripheral notches 20, as shown in Figure 2, which allow a Precise centering of the tool, by aligning these notches with the lines of ,a previously pencil-marked cross on the work surface. Moreover, the muzzle member is provided with ashal} low recess 19 and two aligned flat grooves 109, the purpose of which will be described hereinafter 'lhe barrel section together withthe bushing 18 and the muzzle member 78 comprise the barrel means.

As best shownin Figs. 1 and 13, a small endportion of the driver 17 rests within the bore 80 of the; bush,- ing 18, even in a completely retracted position of. th driver piston, and is temporarily retaine therein by means. of a spring pressed ball catch 22, secured by; a set screw, located in a lateral bore in the bushingv 18 and pressing against a circumferential groove .81 on thefront end of the driver (Fig. 131).. Two othersimi lar spring pressed ball catches 21', radially disposed. in the bushing as shown in Fig. 2, secured by set screws in the same way as catch 22, serve to yieldably hold thefa'steners, as for instance stud 60 in Figure 13, in correct operating position,f adjacent the end of the driver 17.

The piston 16 is provided with a stepped axial bore forming at its rear portion a cartridge chamber 23 communicating with a front portion of the bore forming an expansion chamber 24 of slightly reduced diameter.

Adapted to discharge within the cartridge chamber 23 is a blank cartridge containing a charge of gun powder and being of any standard construction well known in the art. This invention provides the use of cartridges of different strengths, permitting fasteners to be driven into structures of any hardness or density and to join materials of any nature. The rim of the cartridge is seated within a free space provided by a springy ring 27, located at the rear end of the barrel breech portion 3, and access to the cartridge chamber may be had through the breech, as will be described presently. By reason of the fact that the cartridge is confined within the piston driver itself, the full power of the discharge acts on the driver which is propelled forwardly with a sudden force and drives the fastener with a powerful pressure.

The structure of the invention may be used for a long period of time without causing undue fatigue to the operator because the gases located behind piston 16 within member 3 after the charge is exploded are substantially prevented from escaping so that there is no recoil with the structure of the invention. ..Likewise, the reactive force of the expanding gases in chamber 24 is utilized to move the spent shell automatically from its seat at the rear end of the driver 16, 17. These are important features of this invention which permit a quiet, quick, and clean driving operation., The'snap ring 27 limits the rearward movement the piston and provides, as mentioned above, the necessary space for the rim of the cartridge inserted into the cartridge chamber 23.

. The driving member (piston 16, driver 17) is encircled at its elongated portion ahead of head portion 14 by a tube 57 made of rubber and acting as a shock absorber or cushion or elongated compressible sleeve 57. Being shorter than the driving member and having a smaller outer;diameter than the head 14 of the piston 16, the compressible sleeve 57 resiliently engages, at a certain moment of the driving stroke, the inner face of the piston head 14 and the rear face of bushing 1 8 cushioning thereby the stroke of the driver and absorbing the impact [to a certain degree.

The provision of compressible sleeve cushions 57 of different, predetermined lengths offers a simple and effective means for controlling the impact and widens greatly the range of uses of the tool. Moreover, it permits, in cooperation with a properly selected cartridge load, control of the penetration of the driven fastening device. I This is another important feature of this invention. The driving member, compressible sleeve 57 and bushing 18 (including the muzzle member 78), are easily removable by unscrewing the knurled flanges 82, 83 of the bushing 18 and muzzle member 78. L The barrel section comprises also a tube 8, threaded on" the shoulder 2 of the barrel and having a roughened surface to facilitate grasping thereof by the operator.

As to the breech section which forms the firing means, it comprises a breechblock member 12 (Fig. 12), formed to provide a front chamber 6 and a rear chamber 25 separated by a transverse wall 85 having an axial bore 86 therethrough. The front chamber 6 is provided 'with three lugs 13 disposed 120 apart, adapted to receive the three similarly disposed lugs on the breechrend of the barrel, as illustrated in particular in Figs-14am 15, and which form together a bayonet joint. 1

Into the front chamber 6 of the breechblock is threade atube 11, formed with a large window-like opening 87 (Fig. 12), permitting the loading of the tool therethrough by inserting a cartridge into the central bore 23 of piston 16, through the open rear end'of barrel 3.

The barrel assembly, consisting of the bushing 18 with the muzzle member 78; the barrel section 1, 2, 3, and 5; a tube 8 screwed with one end onto the shoulder 2 of the barrel section; and a knurled collar 9 screwed onto the other end of the tube 8, is slidably connected to the breech block 13 and the tube 11 threaded into the front chamber of this breech block. As seen in Figs. 1 and 13, tube 11 reaches intothe annular space between the barrel breech end portion 3 and the tube. 8 of the barrel assembly and the sliding apart of the barrel assembly and the tube 11 fastened to the breech block is limited by the external flange 88 on the tube 11 engaging the internal flange 10 on, the collar 9.

In order to load the device the barrel assembly is moved forward, away from the breech block, until the two aforesaid flanges engage, in which position the breech end of the barrel becomes accessible for insertion of a cartridge, as shown in Fig. 12.

After the cartridge is inserted, the breech is closed by moving the barrel assembly towardsthe breech block, whereby the lugs5 on the barrel assembly slide between and past the lugs 13 of the breech block. Lugs 5 and 13 form a bayonet joint and by twistingthe barrel assembly at the end of the closing stroke in clockwise direction the lugs 5 penetrate behind the lugs 13, thereby locking the barrel assembly to the breech block. This locking action is made more effective by a ring 53 which urges the tube 11 away from the shoulder 2 of the barrel section. This ring is made of springy material such as rubber and seated between the barrel 3 and the tube 8. The lugs 5 are preferably tapered as shown in Fig. 12, which taper likewise improves the locking action. The clockwise rotation of lugs 5 is limited by the hook-like lugs 13.

The collar 9 of the barrel assembly may be removed to provide for an easy and quick separation of the barrel assembly from the breechblock and thus make the use of interchangeable barrels of different bore sizes and lengths for receiving fasteners that exceed standard sizes possible, This provision is another feature of the invention.

In the closed position of the breech four tubes or sleeves, that is tube 8, tube 11, barrel 3, and the compressible sleeve 57 are superimposed and surround the cartridge in the driving member, which insures a quiet operation of the tool.

Slidably mounted in the axial passage 86 of the breechblock 12 (Fig. 12) is a firing pin 26 having two firing points 89 and a rim 90 which limits its forward movement. This firing pin 26, as shown more particularly in Fig. 17, forms a separate, loose member and represents another feature of this invention. Indeed, in case of accidental dropping of the loaded tool, the inertia of this small and relatively light member will not cause the cartridge to detonate.

Within the rear chamber 25 of the breechblock is located a bushing 28, forming a tubular member which abuts against a spring washer 54 snapped into the interior of the breechblock. This bushing 28 is formed somewhat like the breechblock itself, that is to say having a vertical wall 91 forming a transverse wall in said guide bushing in addition tothe transverse wall 85 in the breechblock thus forming two chamber-like recesses 93 and 95, and an axial bore therebetween. The front recess 93 is of conic shape and serves as a seat for the valve 29, slidably mounted in the axial passage 92. The cylindrical end portion 94 of the valve 29 projects into therear recess 95 and into a coil spring buffer 50 located in recess 95, the coils of spring 50 extending rearwardly beyond the projecting portion 94 of the valve 29.

The firing sectionis rigidly secured to the breechblock by a block in the form of a first tube 30 screwed as far '5 as possible into the rear chamber125 of the breechblock and abutting againstwasher 54. Two'holes 96, provided atthe. rear end of block 30, permit the use of "a special spanner the prongs of which are insertedinto these holes to facilitate screwing or unscrewing of the block 30.

The'firing section comprises, besides the block 30, an actuating means including a firing pin actuator 35, a safety catch 36, a firing sleeve 31, and alocking disc or plate 43. i

The block or first tube 30 is provided with an axial bore 97 (Fig. 12) in which is slidably mounted the actuator 35, urged forwardby a firstspring means in the form of a coil spring 49 encircling the shaft-of the actuator and lying between the front rim 98 of the actuator and the shoulder 99 Within the bore 97. The front portion of the actuator projects into the rear recess 95 of the bushing 28 where it is held out of contact with the end portion 94'of the valve 29 by the spring buffer 50, as shown in Fig. 1, which engages the rim 98 of the actuator, whereas. the end portion 111 of the actuator extends through the rear end of the block 30 and the locking disc 43, and is provided with a pull ring 48 to permit it to be pulled backward in the block 30 against the resistance of' 'the spring 49to theposition shown in Fig. 12.

The valve 29 serves a double purpose viz. it actuates the adjacent firing pin 26 by transmitting the firing stroke of the actuator 35 and it holds backthe explosive gases.

As to spring buffer 50, it represents a supplementary safety means. If the loaded but not yet cocked tool is accidentally dropped, the inertia of the actuator will not overcome the resistance of spring buffer 50 and consequently the valve will not be touched, nor will the cartridge be detonated. This precaution is, of course, superflous since with the cocked tool, the actuator is locked in its retracted position, as best shown in Fig. 12.

The firing sleeve 31, having a roughened surface to facilitate gripping, is slidably mounted on the block or first tube 30 and is secured thereto by means of a stud 33 retained in a threaded aperture in the sleeve and projecting into a longitudinal groove3 l provided in the block or first tube 3i limiting thus the sliding movement of the firingsleeve ineach direction.

This sleeve 31, the front portion of which extends over the shoulder 100 of the breechblock 12, is urged outwardly' with considerable pressure by a relatively stiff compression spring32, hereinafter called firing sleeve spring, which encirclesthe reduced rear end portion of the breechblock 12 and which engages shoulder 1 30 of the breechblock and the opposite shoulder 101 of the sleeve portion 31, as shown in Fig. 12.

The rear end of thefiring sleeve 31' is covered by the locking discor plate 43, illustrated in Fig. 3. This disc is pivotallymountedon the sleeve by a partiallythreaded screw and may be swung, withits central aperture 102,

into andout of annular grooves provided in the actuator 35, as will be dcscribcdhereihafter.

A stud 45, screwed into thesleeve31 through the recess 44 provided in the disc (Fig. 3), retains the disc 43 on the sleeve and limits its pivoting movement. Two tiny ball checks similar to the ball checks 21 and 22 in the bushing 18 located in two small holes provided in the rear end of the sleeve snap into one of the two small holes 47 on thedisc and retain the disc in either position. A checkered bulge" 46 facilitates to swing the disc with the help of the thumb.

The sleeve 31 is called firing sleeve by virtue of the fact that it replaces the usual trigger, which is another important safety feature of this invention. The usual trigger, as a matter of fact, must respond to a slight pressure of a single finger and must, therefore, be provided with positive -safety means to prevent'accidental or involuntary firing, whereas illfllB present invention the push buttonlias'tobe depressed and the firing sleevebe pressed forwardly with relative great forcetowards the barrel Section to release the actuator.

Theactuator servesnot only to cock the tool and vides a three way safety. This is accomplished by' the.

following means.

In the first tube 30 is provided a transversal recess 37', adapted to receive a catch member or latch 36, having a ring-shaped central opening 105 integralwith an upper circulars abutment 106 and a lower cylindrical boss 107, as particularly shown in Fig. 16. This safety. catch 36 slides vertically in the recess 37 and its opening 105 is positioned perpendicularly to the bore 97 of the block 30, so as to form an opening to permit the actuator 35 to pass therethrough. A compression spring 38, hereinafter called the catch member spring means, located in a small bore at the bottom of the recess 37 and into which the boss 107 projects, urges the safety catch upwardly against the actuator 35, passing through the opening 1050f the safety catch. Immediately above the abutment 106 of the safety catch is located a push button 40, mounted for vertical movement within a socket 41, screwed into the sleeve 31. The movements of this push button are limited in either direction by its rim 198 which respectively engages socket 41 and sleeve 31 at the ends of the stroke of button 40.

it is an important feature-of this invention that simply pulling back the actuator and releasing it, will not detonate the cartridge, whereby accidental discharge of the tool is prevented. If the actuator is pulled back even slightly, as for instance at the beginning of the cocking movement from its position shown in Pig. 1 to a position intermediate its position shown in Fig. l and Fig. 12, the safety catch 36 slides automatically into the conic circumferential. groove 52 in the actuator 35 stopping thereby any forward movement of the same. This is the first automatic safety in case of accidental releasing of the pull ring during the cocking of the tool. When the operator pulls back the actuator completely, the safety catch 36 snaps into the annular gap 39 of actuator 35 locking thus theactuator in its cocked position, whereby the push button is raised by the abutment 106, as best shown in Figure 12.

It is another safety feature of this invention that the releasing of the actuator is accomplished in two steps. It will be seen that with the tool of this invention it is necessary both to depress the push button 40 and to slide the sleeve 31 forwardly in order to release the actuator. Accordingly, the sleeve 31 is provided with a conical inner face 112 adjacent the aperture-113 (Fig. 12), into which is screwed socket 41- of the push button 40, so as to form a tapered edge within the said aperture. It will be easily understoodthat in the same moment when the part of the catch member between the opening 105 and theextension 167 of the safety catch snaps into the gap or groove 39in the shaft of the actuator 35, the abutment 106 of the safety catch will also snap into the aperture 113, locking thus simultaneously the actuator and the sleeve.

Owing to the short path of the push button 40 within its socket 41, it cannot push down the safety catch cornpletely and its depression will only release the firingsleeve 31, by bringing the abutment 106 out of engagement with the edge 113 (Fig. 12) of the conical surface 112. Hereafter, when the sleeve 31 is pushed forward to accomplish the firing, as described above, the tapered surface 112 slidesover. the abutment 1% and completes thereby the second step, by disengaging entirely opening 105 from the groove 39. When the actuator has been released by the safety catch it is driven forward by the coil spring 49 and strikes .the valve and therewith the adjacent firing pin 26 which detonates the cartridge. The resistance of the spring buifer being inferior to the force of the compressed coil-spring 49, it cannot interfere withthe stroke of the actuator.

If the operator is-not going to use the cocked tool itn" or materials.

mediately, he may set an auxiliary safety by pivoting the locking disc 43, with its central aperture 102, into the annular groove51 provided in the actuator 35. This locking disc also permits the tool to be hung up, in the noncocked position of Figure 1, on its pull ring 48, without straining the spring 49, by swinging the disc 43 towards the reduced end portion 111 of the actuator. Thus it will be seen that the actuator 35 is provided between free end portion 111 and groove 51 with an annular projection having next to the rear free end portion 111 a rear annular face engaging plate 43 in the position of the parts shown in Fig. 1, and this annular projection has a front annular face engaging plate 43 in the position of the parts shown in Fig. 12.

The fastening means to be used according to this invention and which will be described presently, are especially adapted and designed to be driven and to penetrate into work without angular deviation. The studs illustrated are designed for fastenings in steel, concrete, brickwork or other structures, for detachable or permanent fastenings or connections of elements thereto, or for joining of two or more elements or materials as, for instance, steel to steel, steel to concrete or bricks, wood or cork to steel or concrete, wood to wood etc. These studs, made of treated steel, comprise extremely hard tips or points, shanks of various lengths, and cylindrical or conical heads for sunken or flush finish with work surfaces or where the heads of the fasteners protrude from the work surface. The stud shown in Fig. 5, provided with an internally threaded head 59 and a shank 58 adapted to be driven into steel, permits a detachable fastening of elements thereto by means of a screw. The stud illustrated in Fig. 6, hav ing an external thread for the accommodation of a nut, may be fired into concrete, brickwork and the like; The shank 60 of this stud, as Well as the shanks of other types, maybe provided with a guide ring 62, made of a thin centrally perforated metal disc, set or slidably mounted on the shank so as to retain the stud in centered position within the bushing 18, as shown in Fig. 13. Figure 7 shows a stud, the shank 63 of which extends from head 64 and may vary in length according to application, intended to join or fasten together two or more elements It carries likewise a guide ring 62. The stud illustrated in Fig. 8 has a cylindrical head 66 provided with a transversal hole 67 adapted to receive wires or the like for fastenings on and to ceilings, or for similar applications. Figure 9 shows a stud, having a conical end portion 69 and a head provided with an internal thread 70 for detachable flush fastenings in structures of any kind.

With these studs may be used a guide and stop washer 114 illustrated in Fig. 19, which prevents excessive penetration of the fastening means in soft material and avoid splitting when driving through wood or other soft substances. This washer has a central. perforation 115 of a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the stud to be used, and is retained on the muzzle member 78 by snapping it into the recess 19. The point of the fired stud pass ing through such a metal washer is guided in a perfectly straight line, that is to say perpendicular to the work surface. It will be easily understood that the washer is carried along with the stud and that it stops the penetration of the head portion of the stud into the structure. It may, therefore, aptly be designated as a guide and stop washer.

The fastening devices illustrated in Figs. and 11, serve as clamps for the fastening of conduits, light piping and the like and comprise a washer-like portion 71, 76 having a central hole 72, and provided with one or two straps 73, 75, 77, with or without a buckle 74, adapted to be rolled up so as to form clamps or clips. These fasteners are used in the same way as the stop washer, just described, that is to say they are placed on the muzzle member 78 of the tool, by snapping their discs into the flat recess 19 and their straps into the grooves 109, referred to'above.

They are, as a matter of course, projected and fastened together with the studs. This is an important feature of this invention since the simultaneous,

driving of stud and clamp permits an instantaneous and screwless fastening, which provides an important saving in time and labour.

On the muzzle portion of the tool may bemounted a guard 55, of which Figure 4 is a sectional view. This guard is made of rubber or any other suitable material and is provided with a central opening, in alignment with the bore 80 of the bushing 18, and with projecting sights 56 permitting precise targeting of the tool, as described hereinbefore when referring to the notches 20 (Fig. 2) on the muzzle member 78. I

The operation of the tool disclosed herein now will be reviewed. The operator holds the tool by grasping with one hand the roughened portion of the barrel section viz. the tube 8, and with his other hand the roughened firing sleeve 31. Then he opens the breech by disengaging the bayonet connection 5, 13. This he accomplishes by a counterclockwise movement of one hand, and by sliding the barrel and parts attached thereto comprising barrel 1, bushing 18, tube 8 and collar 9, relative to tube 11 and parts attached thereto, comprising breech block 12 and parts attached thereto, until separation of the parts are limited by contact of flange 10 on collar 9 with flange 88 on tube 11 at which time the breech of the barrel will be opposite the opening 87 in the tube 11 as shown in Fig. 12 which permits introduction of a shell into the chamber 23 of the driver 17. The operator then introduces the stud to be used through the central opening 116 of the muzzle member 78 into the bore 80 of thebushing 18. According to application, he may also snap a washer 114 (Fig. 19) or one of the clamps of Figs. 10 and 11 into recess 19 and grooves 109 respectively. Thereupon he inserts the cartridge to be used through the opening 87 (Figure 12) into the cartridge chamber 23, and closes the breech by sliding the sections towards each other and by securing the bayonet joint. As is apparent from Fig. 13, the stud itself may not be long enough to move the piston 16 all the way back to its starting position, so that with the aid of an elongated member such as a pencil or the like it is possible to push the stud into the barrel until the stud is engaged by the catches 21 and until the piston is returned to its initial position. With the help of the ring 48 the operator pulls back the actuator 35 which is automatically locked in cocked position by the safety catch 36. The firing section of the tool is now in operating position, as shown at the right end of Figure 12, The firing of the tool is accomplished in the manner already described, that is to say the operator presses the muzzle member 78 squarely against the work surface and, after depressing the push button 40, he pushes the firing sleeve 31 vigorously forward to detonate the cartridge.

Upon explosion of the cartridge the pressure which is created in the chamber 24 of the piston 16 will cause a slight retractive movement of the cartridge case to the left as viewed in Fig. 1 and all the operator has to do is reopen the breech and remove the cartridge case. The tool is then ready for another operating cycle.

In the tool herein described there has been provided a ready means for quickly and accurately driving fastening devices into structures and materials wherever it may be necessary. It may be accordingly used in localities where power is not readily obtainable. The tool is sufficiently versatile so that it is capable of being used against practically any type of structure or material in that the power behind the driving of the fastening means is adjustable. The efficiency of the tool is further increased by providing suitable means absorbing shock and recoil so that continued operation by a workman does not become tiresome, thus improving his efficiency and shortening the time nesessary to do a job of any magnitude. I

Although I have shown and described a preferred embodiment of my invention, it will be understoodthat certain parts and elements thereof may be replaced by me- 9 chanical equivalents without departing from the spirit of mytinvention. Consequently, I do not intend to be limited tol the specific embodiment shown and described, but desireto be afforded the full scope of the following claims.

What I claim is:

1. Apparatus for driving studs and the like into solid members, comprising, in combination, a barrel means having a rear breech end and a front end portion formed with an axial bore passing therethrough; an elongated driving member for driving, a stud or the like located in said bore, said driving member being slidably mounted in said barrel means for reciprocating movement therein and. having an elongated free end portion extending into said bore and slidably engaging the latter; and firing means operatively connected to the breech end of said barrel means for firing an explosive charge therein so as to drive said driving membertoward the muzzle end of said barrel.

2. Apparatus for driving studs and the like into solid members, comprising, in combination, a barrel; a guide bushing formed with an axial bore passing therethrough, said bore being aligned with the axis of said barrel and said bushing being connected to the muzzle of said barrel; an elongated driving member for driving a stud or the like located in said bore of said guide member, said driving member being slidably mounted in said barrel for reciprocating movement therein and having an elongated free end portion extending into said bore of said bushing and slidablyengagaing the latter, said driving member being formed at its rear end portion with an axial bore adapted to receive a cartridge; and firing means operatively connectedto the breech end of said barrel for exploding a cartridge located in said driving member bore sons to drive said driving member toward the muzzle end of said barrel.

i 3. Apparatus for driving studs and the like into solid members, comprising, in combination, a barrel; a guide bushing formed with an axial bore passing therethrough, sail bore being aligned with the axis of said barrel and said bushing being connected to the muzzle of said barrel; anelongated driving member for driving a stud or the like located in said bore of said bushing, said driving member being slidably mounted in said barrel for reciprocatinglmovement therein and having an elongated free end portion extending into said bore of said bushing and slidably engaging the latter, said driving member being formed at its rear end portion with an axial bore having a-rear portion adapted to receive a cartridge and a front portion in which explosion gases may expand; and firing means operatively connected to the breech end of said barrel, for exploding a cartridge located in said driving member bore so as to drive said driving member toward themuzzle end of said barrel.

, 4. Apparatus for driving studs andthe like into solid members, comprising, in combination, a barrel; a guide bushing formed with an axial bore passing therethrough, said bore being aligned with the axis of said barrel and said bushing being connected to the muzzle of said barrel; angelongated driving member for driving a stud or the like located in said bore of said bushing, said driving member being slidably mounted in said barrel for reci' rocating movement therein and having an elongated free end portion extending into said bore of said bushing and slidably engaging the latter, said driving member being formed at its rear end portion with an axial bore having a rear portion adapted to receive a cartridge and a front portion in which explosion gases may expand, said front portion of said bore terminating in an elongated bore portion which is of a smaller diameter than the diameter of said rear portion of said axial driving member bore; and @firing means operatively connected to the breech end of isaid barrel for exploding a cartridge located in said driving member bore so as to drive said driving member toward the muzzle end of said barrel.

5. Apparatus for driving studs and the like into solid members, comprising, in combination, barrel means having a front endportion formedwith an axial bore passing therethrough, said bore being aligned with the axis of said barrel means and being of a smaller bore than. the remainder of the barrel means bore; an. elongateddriving member for driving a stud or the like located-in said bore, said drivingmember having a head portion: slidably en+ gaging the inner surface of said barrel means and having an elongated second portion of a smaller diameter than said head portion extending forwardly therefrom into said smaller bore and slidably engaging the latter; an elongated compressible sleeve of a shorterlength than said driving member located about said elongated portioniof said driver in said barrel means between said frontend portion thereof and said head portion of said ldriving member; and firing means operatively connectedto the breech end of said barrel means for firing an explosive charge therein so as to drive said driving member toward the muzzle end of said barrel means, the. movement 10f said driving member being cushioned by compressionof said sleeve between said front end portion of said bar rel means and said head portion of said driving member.

6. Apparatus for driving studs and the like intov solid members, comprising in combination, a barrel; a guide bushingformed with an axial bore passing therethrough; said bore being aligned with the axis ofsaidtbarrel and said bushing being connected to the muzzle of said bare rel; an elongated driving member for driving a studor the like located in said bore-of said bushing, said driving member having a rear head end portion slidably-engaging the inner surface of said barrel andsaid driving member having an elongated portion of atsmaller diameterwthan said rear end portion extending forwardly therefrom into said bore of said bushing and slidably engaging the latter; an elongated compressible sleeve of a shorter length, than said driving member located about said elongated portion of said driving member in said barrel between saidbushing' and said rear end portion of said driving member, said sleeve having an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of said barrel; and firing means operatively connected to the breechtend of said barrel for firing an explosive charge therein so as to drive said driving member toward the muzzle end of said barreland compress said sleeve between said bushing and rear end portion of said driving member.

7. Apparatus for driving studs and the like into solid members, comprising, in combination, a barrel; a guide bushing formed with an axial bore passing therethrough, said bore being aligned withthe axis of said barrel and said bushing being connected to the muzzle of said barrel; an elongated driving member for driving a stud or the like located, in said bore of said bushing, said driving member having a rear end portion slidably, engagingthe inner surface of said barrel and having an elongated pore tion of a smaller diameter than said rear end portion extending forwardly therefrom into said bore ofsaid bushing and slidably engaging the latter; an elongated coma pressible sleeve of a shorter length than said driving member located about said elongated portion of said driving member in said barrel between said bushing and said rear end portion of said driving member, said sleevehaving an inner diameter which is larger than the outer diameter of said elongated portion of said driving member; and firing means operatively connected to the breech end of said barrel for firing an explosive charge therein. so.

as to drive said driving member toward the muzzle end of said barrel and compress said sleeve.

8. Apparatus for driving studs and the like'into solid members, comprising, in combination, a barrel; a guide bushing formed with an axial bore passing therethrough, said bore being aligned with the axis of said barrel and said bushing being connected to the muzzle: ofsaid barrel; an elongated driving member for driving a stud or the like located in said bore of said bushing, said driving.

member being slidablymounted in said barrel for'reciprocating movement therein and said driving memberhav ing an elongated free end portion extending into said bore of said bushing and slidably engaging the latter; and firing means operatively connected to the breech end of said barrel for firing an explosive charge therein so as to drive said driving member toward the muzzle end of said barrel, said firing means comprising a breech block connected to the breech end of said barrel and having a transverse wall extending transversely to the axis of said barrel and located at the breech end thereof, said transverse wall being formed with a bore passing therethrough, and said firing means including a firing pin slidably mounted in said bore of said transverse wall and having a length which is approximately equal to the thickness of said transverse wall.

I 9. Apparatus for driving studs and the like into solid members, comprising, in combination, a barrel; a guide bushing formed with an axial bore passing therethrough, said bore being aligned with the axis of said barrel and said guide bushing being connected to the muzzle of said barrel; an elongated driving member for driving a stud or the like located in'said bore of said bushing, said driving member being slidably mounted in said barrel for reciprocating movement therein and said driving member having an elongated free end portion extending into said bore of said bushing and slidably engaging the latter; a breech block connected to the breech end of said barrel and having a transverse wall extending transversely to the axis of said barrel and located at the breech end thereof, said transverse wall of said breech block being formed with a bore passing therethrough; a firing pin slidably mounted in said bore of said transverse wall of said breech block; a tubular member located in said breech block next to said transverse wall of said breech block and on the side thereof opposite from said barrel, said tubular member having a transverse wall spaced from said transverse wall of said breech block and also formed with a bore passing therethrough; a valve member slidably mounted in and extending through said bore of said transverse wall of said tubular member for closing said bore of said transverse wall of said tubular member, said valve member engaging said firing pin to move the latter upon movement of said valve member toward said barrel; and actuating means mounted on said breech block for actuating said valve member to move said firing pin.

l0. In'an apparatus for driving studs and the like into solid members, in combination, a breech block; a tube connected to said breech block at the rear end thereof and forming an extension thereof; an elongated actuator slidably mounted in said tube for movement along the axis thereof and being formed intermediate its ends with an annular cutout, said actuator having a rear free end portion extending beyond said tube; first spring means located in said tube and engaging said actuator to urge the same forwardly through said tube; a catch member extending transversely across said tube and being slidably mounted thereon for movement in a plane normal to the axis of said tube, said catch member being formed with an opening through which said actuator extends and having a projection; catch member spring means engaging said'catch member for urging said projection thereof laterally outward of said first tube, so that when said actuator is moved to the rear to compress said first spring means and said annular cutout is located opposite said catch member, the latter moves under the influence of said catch member spring means into said annular cutout to prevent forward movement of said actuator under the influence of said first spring means; and a firing sleeve slidably mounted on said tube and having an inner conical surface which decreases from a diameter larger than the outer. diameter of said tube to a diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of said tube as said conical surface approaches the rear of said tube; and firing sleeve spring means operatively connected to said firing sleeve for urging'the latter rearwardly along said tube so that said ,aetuator is released to the action of said first spring means when said firing sleeve is moved forwardly against the action of said firing sleeve spring means to move said catch member against the action of said catch member spring means by engagement of said conical surface portion with said projection of said catch member.

11. In an apparatus for driving studs and the like into a solid member, in combination, a sleeve located at the rear of the apparatus and forming part of an actuator means therefor; an actuator extending through said sleeve along the axis thereof and said actuator having a rear free end portion extending beyond the rear end of said sleeve and an annular projection located next to said rear free end portion and having a rear annular face adjacent said rear end portion and a front annular face distant therefrom; and a plate turnably connected to said rear end of said sleeve for movement about an axis parallel to and spaced from the axis of said sleeve, said plate extending transversely across said sleeve and being formed with an opening'through which said actuator passes, so that when said annular projection of said actuator is located forwardly of said plate the latter may be turned to engage said rear face of said annular projection to prevent rearward movement of said actuator and so that when said annular projection is located to the rear of said plate the latter may be turned to engage said front face of said annular projection to prevent forward movement of said actuator.

12. Apparatus for driving studs and the like into solid members, comprising, in combination, a barrel; a guide bushing formed with an axial bore passing therethrough, said bore being aligned with the axis of said barrel and said bushing being connected to the muzzle of said barrel; an elongated drivingmember for driving a stud or the like when the stud is located in said bore of said bushing, said driving member being slidably mounted in said barrel for reciprocating movement therein and said driving member having an elongated free end portion extending into said bore of said bushing and slidably engaging the latter; firing means operatively connected to the breech end of said barrel for firing an explosive charge therein so as to drive said driving member toward the muzzle end of said barrel; and spring pressed ball means located in said bushing for releasably holding a stud or the like therein.

13. Apparatus for driving studs and the like into solid members, comprising, in combination, a barrel; a guide bushing formed with an axial bore passing therethrough, said bore being aligned with the axis of said barrel and said bushing being connected to the muzzle of said barrel; an elongated driving member for driving a studor the like when the stud is located in said bore of said bushing, said driving member being slidably mounted in said barrel for reciprocating movement therein and said driving member having an elongated free end portion extending into said bore of said bushing and slidably engaging the latter; a tube mounted on said barrel and forming an annular space therewith; a breech block removably connected to the rear end of said barrel; and a tube connected to the breech block and extending into said annular space, said latter tube being formed with an opening passing therethrough so that a cartridge may be-placed in the rear end of said barrel through said opening of said latter tube when said breech block is disconnected from said barrel and is moved to the rear, together with said tube attached thereto, out of said annular space.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,565,333 Lund Ian. 17, 1928 1,984,117 Davis Dec. 11, 1934 2,038,913 Temple Apr. 28, 1936 2,400,878 Dunn May 28, 1946 2,501,362 Temple Mar. 21, 1950 2,518,395 Sopris Aug. 8, 1950 an-i- {you 

